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Sunday, June 27, 2010

Which Fabric Do You Like Best?

I'm shopping for fabric to use for draperies in our bedroom for our new house. I've narrowed it down to two. On my computer they both appear bluer than they really are. The acutal color is more of a light teal, "robin's egg green." But they're equally distorted, so we can still use these photos to compare.

The first one is shown in the 3 photos above. It has a subtle damask pattern in the background, so we'll call that one "Damask."

The three photos below show the other fabric. We'll call that one "Linen." The dark green in this one is a little cooler than the fabric above. (It has less yellow in it.)

They are about the same price; the linen may be a little less. I'll be making the draperies myself. Easy enough for a quilter, right?

So, which one do you like better? Damask or Linen? Thanks for your help.

Karen, what color are your walls?? I like Damask the best for drapes. I think they would be a beautiful addition to any room. We are moving into a new house too!! And I have a lot of decisions to make.

The walls will be the same color as the background of the fabrics. I think that will make for a soothing, somewhat monochromatic look. I love that color.

I've had good luck making simple window treatments before, and I found a good book to help me make those pinch pleats at the top.

There will be a room darkening lining behind the drapery fabric.

I found the damask in a little upholstery shop, but the linen is a special order item at JoAnn, going on sale today. Either way it's about $25/yd.

It really helps to read all your thoughts here. And it's fun. Can you imagine if we all walked into the store and talked it over like this? That would really freak them out at the store. Haha. "These are my friends, they're helping me shop today."

They are both beautiful. The damask appears to be more blue overall and the linen more of a sage green. So that might make a big difference in your room. As a blue lover, of course I'd pick the damask.

I like the Damask better. The texture is richer and looks more like drapery fabric to me. I also kind of think how it will be in the winter...if you plan to keep up year round. The Damask looks for season-less with the linen being definitely summer weight, light airy fabric. Will you be backing them with a lining fabric for light or warmth, especially since you live in the upper northeast and with the winters that you have. Hope this helps.

For me it would help to see the room with the wall color, furnishings, size of room, etc. to make the best decision. Just choosing a fabric base on my own personal preference I would choose the Damask. Like some of the other comments, I too like the crisper line to the print and the clearer colors. However, if my furniture was older and had that old "comfy" look I might choose the linen. If I had more modern new furniture, the Damask would work better. So for me it's not just the color or the print, but the look of the rest of the room that would make the final choice.

You hardly need another opinion, but I can't help but comment: I like the crispness and contrast in the damask design. It won't add too much contrast to the room, but just enough, I think. I'm relieved to hear that someone else is staying with off white walls! That's what I have done, and everyone tells me I should put color on the walls. But then my future wall quilts might not go with the wall colors! (Such wonderful problems to have).Kathleen

Hi Karen,Chipping in with my pennyworth of comment. The linen would be more casual and the damask more tailored and posh. The trend here in the uk is to pick out a colour and paint one feature wall say behind the bed. I prefer the damask. Does it have redeemable selvages to use?Shirley.

The Damask looks much richer and like it would last longer (tighter weave). Linen always wrinkles too much for my liking. Linen would be a nightmare to iron after you have washed the curtains. So go for Damask

I really like the linen and it is what I would personally choose. It looks more updated and relaxed (which reflects my personal style). If you have a very formal traditional house the damask might fit it better.

Ok...I haven't read the other comments yet...here is my view...if you are wanting a more traditional look...use the damask. If you are wanting a more soft vintage/cottage/trendy style then use the linen. My pick is for the linen...I think it can be dressed up or dressed down...the damask I feel will always have a more formal feel. The linen is very similar to what I have hanging in my sewing room only in touches of soft green and raspberry. Now, I'm off to read what others think...LOL...you know we all lov to jump at the chance to give our opinions!! Let us know what you choose ok??

I haven't a clue as to which to use, I like them both. In fact, they both have bits that would make wonderful embroideries. I just wanted so say that if you can make a quilt, you can make draperies, I'm not so sure the reverse is true.

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Quilt-making is my passion. I love the creative process. Sharing my artwork and the artwork of others on my blogs has become a favorite part of my day.
Share your selvage creations by emailing photos to me at karengriska@optonline.net.
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My husband and I live in the beautiful hills of Litchfield, Connecticut. We have two grown sons: a photographer in Louisville, KY, and an artist in CT. We enjoy hiking, photography, watching movies, eating pizza, and visiting with family.